Application Form: Post-Graduate Research Programme
Applications for Postgraduate Studentships under the
ITT Dublin President’s Research Award Scheme 2017
To be completed and submitted by email to
Closing date: 30th June 2017 @ 17.00
Project Code & Title: / PPRA1709- Latent Fingerprint enhancement on Metallic surfaces for forensic analysis (E-PRINT)– Prof. Eithne DempseyInsert a brief project summary (250 words)
Detection of latent fingerprints on various substrates is critical in crime investigations where a print may be visualised as a result of material transfer onto a surface. Friction ridges on the fingerprints and hands are unique to the individual and are used in forensic science for identification purposes.Latent fingerprints require chemical or physical treatment to render them visible and unequivocal identification remains surprisingly low on metallic surfaces [1].
Latent fingerprints developed on cartridge cases may serve as key pieces of evidence during forensic investigations (see Figure 1) as discarded discharged cartridges are prevalent at gangland crime scenes. Success in the development of latent fingerprints on these dischargedcartridge cases has been a significant challenge for forensic investigators where due to the nature of the firing process, prints and DNA/protein evidence are destroyed by the extreme temperatures and abrasive forces during firing. Despite this, limited research has demonstrated that fingerprints, on occasion, do survive the firing process [2]. The ability to develop such prints on spent brass cartridgesis of enormous interest to the forensic community with recent efforts focused on the effect of corrosion by chloride ions from the salt in sweat, producing lines of corrosion which become more pronounced when a gun is fired [3]. Electrochemical processing using metallic/semiconducting polymer layers which deposit on the underlying surface between the residuemay enable a “negative” print to be developed under controlled conditions [1].
Figure 1. Partial latent fingerprint on a cartridge case revealed by acidified hydrogen peroxide development.
To date there has been very limited progress in relation to the enhancement of latent prints on discharged cartridge cases or other metallic surfaces which have undergone extremes of temperature and pressure. This remains a very significant forensic challenge,particularly in relation to gangland killings, which if addressed has the potential to transform criminal investigations worldwide.
A key aim of this proposal is to provide a unique methodology based on electrodeposition of inorganic and/or electrochromic materials onto relevant conducting surfaces which, under optimal conditions realise print enhancement. The methods proposed exploit localised changes in electrical and optical properties of a metal surface due to corrosion by chloride in perspiration residues transferred by fingerprints.
Applications include forensic criminal investigations in gun crimes, autotheft, copper pipe bomb making, terrorist air and ground attacks and arson. Therefore scientific impact globally is potentially very high with identifiable benefits to forensic practitioners and criminal investigators.
Duration: / 20 months leading to the award of Masters Degree by Research
Funding: / Candidates appointed under the President’s Research Award Scheme 2017 will qualify for a Scholarship providing a stipend for the student, full EU college fees* for 2 years, and a contribution towards materials costs to support the research project.
*Note: Non-EU students must pay the additional non-EU postgraduate fee of €4,250
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PRIMARY DEGREE QUALIFICATIONS
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Documents to include with your application: tick if attached
- Copy of your final degree award certificate or official transcript of final examination results*
- Copy of IELTS certificate (must be 6.0) or equivalent*
* If offered a post-graduate place, original copies must be provided before student registration can be completed; failure to provide them will result in any offer of a studentship being withdrawn.
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